One day visiting Kingston.

Every time I have a friend or a family member visiting us in Jamaica, I take the time for them to discover some of Kingston’s attractions. It usually takes one day.

I always start the journey with a visit to Hope Gardens and Zoo. I love this place; there is something about it that makes it special. Even if you are not into flowers, plants or nature, I think it is impossible not to feel good in those gardens. The official entrance to the Gardens is now closed so it is a bit confusing but if you continue on Hope Road about 2 km after, there is a green sign on your left and this is where you can access the parking.  The entry to the Gardens is free but there is now a small charge for parking. It is open every day from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. The Gardens also hosts events such as weddings, yoga sessions, live music shows and more.

Up the Gardens, you will find the Zoo. The entry for a visit is 500$JAM (5$US). The Zoo is expanding and so there is some construction and renovations, but it does not come in the way of the experience so much. The Zoo has a good variety of animals: find the Spider Monkey, he is quite a performer! The Zoo plans to welcome more animals when the time comes. The site also has great installations for lunch breaks and group visits. This beautiful place is perfect for kids (or kids at heart :P) but also for any animal and bird lovers. Bring comfortable shoes and bottles of water because it is HOT and you are walking a LOT.

 

Another must-visit in Kingston is the Devon House. This Heritage Site and national monument was built by Jamaica’s first black millionaire George Stiebel. You have the option to pay for a tour of the mansion furnished with antiques and learn more about the fascinating history of this property. But there is more to Devon House; you can relax in the park and gardens or shop and dine in the commercial complex. 

This is where you will find the famous Devon I Scream (ice cream), a bakery, some cool bars and restaurants. Try the wine and cigar bar - Bin-26. Unfortunately, their greatest restaurant for fine dining, The Terrace has closed since last December or January without any notice. Great little boutiques are also selling souvenirs and arts, I recommend the Starfish Oils shop for its popular Blue Mountain coffee candle.

Another great attraction to stop over in Kingston would be the Emancipation Park. It is like an oasis of nature in the New Kingston area. It is somewhere safe where you can run on the jogging track, or just walk, relax under a tree, enjoy solitude or make friends. The Park is also well known for the glorious bronze sculpture representing a naked couple looking at the sky, it is called ‘’Redemption Song’’. This is why the Emancipation Park is one of Kingston’s significant landscapes.

Erik and I always take our guest eat dinner at Kingston Marketplace since it has a great number of restaurants with a large variety of different cuisines; Italian, Chinese, American, Japanese, Asian fusion, Indian and of course Jamaican. You can always satisfy everyone’s taste. My next visitor is coming next month, I hope she will enjoy her stay, I know I will. :)